Reviewer: Comparing yourself to another author


One marketing skill is to know who your target audience is – who they read that matches how you write.

I’m going to use my fave, Nance Drew – no let’s go with Dean Koontz. So, is that horror or dark fiction? Strong female, family oriented characters placed in situations of scary upheaval danger. What about Mickey Spillane – tough male non-PC noir character and story. Detective story with a femme fatale.

Your story fits the description. You like these authors, hey they might even have gotten you interested in writing. And now you’re sending out requests:

Dear ________

I’m the next ______. Heck, I’m better. I’m the fresh voice. I go where ______ left off.

Nothing wrong with a healthy ego, except…

  • Reviewer doesn’t like that author
  • Reviewer doesn’t know that author
  • Reviewer hears this all the time and has yet to read someone who comes close to meeting these statements

Don’t compare yourself to someone in your request. I know, I’ve had this discussion with others – knowing who you’re like helps marketing and letting others know. Sure, but it also helps set you up for mass failure.

If you tell me you’re the next ______ and your writing doesn’t match or is way off base, well, you’ve planted a seed that can’t be ignored.

Let your writing – story – tell me, who you are. Use your words not someone’s name.